Battling Draw

In more than one way, Dan was definitely the man! As you will read.

On a dank and drizzly day Thame 2’s welcomed Tring 1’s for a top of the table clash. The whistle was blown and Tring started with the ball, pressing hard on the resolute Thame defence. But the defence held on with some brilliant defending and only minutes later, Thame were on the counter and the ball was driven into the D. A melee ensued which resulted in Thame being awarded a p-flick. The good Dan stepped up and a beautiful flick from our Skipper made the score 1-0 to Thame.

The match continued and the ball was now with Tring. They pressed hard and found themselves, once again, in the Thame D. This pressure resulted in a short corner for Tring. This short corner was well taken and resulted in a beautiful equaliser from Tring as the ball was slotted into the bottom corner. 1-1.

Thame now with the ball trying to hold possession but the ball was lost in the midfield and before we knew it Tring were on the counter once again. Tring running down the baseline and a ball passed to the p-spot, goalkeeper Barney came off his line and produced a smother to try and stop the goal but his momentum took him into a Tring player who went down like a footballer leaving the umpire no choice but to award another p-flick. This one for Tring. The whistle was blown and the ball was sent down the centre of the goal at head height. Unfortunately, despite a valiant attempt, the goalkeeper(me) went the wrong way but almost managed to get a hand to it. 1-2 Tring.

Coming towards half time Adam put through a wonder pass to Tom who was at the back post for a tap in. Half time whistle was blown. 2-2

The second half begun and Thame started with the ball. Passing the ball around and Tring pressing well, managed to obtain the ball and were back on the counter. Before Thame could react Tring was in Thame’s 23. Thankfully Thame managed to defend this counter and come out with the ball. Thame at the back once again starting with the ball and pushing forward looking to take the lead but unfortunately Tring acquired the ball and pressed the Thame defence. A Tring attacker approached the goal and, despite the keeper rushing out to smother, the attacker just managed to go round his stick and slot the ball into the goal to make it 3-2 Tring.

The scores stayed this way for the majority of the second half but, just as it looked like the unbeaten run was to end, Alex chucked an ariel into the D and Scott with a wonder goal hit a reverse stick half volley into the Tring net to make it 3-3. A few minutes later the full time whistle was blown and both teams walked away with 1 point.

Thanks to Becs ad Mullins for excellent umpiring for a frenetic and feisty encounter.

DOD: Dan by default (Looks like Dan turned into prime Tom Creswell with the amount of cards and backchat from him today.)
MOTM: Max
Special mention: Barney for his outstanding saves and keeping Thame in the game.

Goals:
Dan - (P-flick)
Tom C - back post tap in (Adam wonderpass)
Scott - reverse stick half volley from Alex’s aerial
CARDS:
- Dan (1x Green, 1x Yellow ?)
- Mitch

Invincibles is still on, lets goooo